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Local picks in South Coast Metro

Lunch spots

A lunch spot that provides a real break from the day instead of just another rushed meal at your desk.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Costa Contemporary Kitchen image 1
Costa Contemporary Kitchen image 2
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Peruvian restaurant

Small indoor space with prominent windows and concrete flooring creates a bright but noisy atmosphere. Warm, stylish vibe suits date nights and small groups despite close tables. Exceptional pisco sours and Peruvian dishes add to a memorable dining experience.

Peruvian dishes offer authentic flavors with excellent quality and attention to detail. Staff provide attentive service and create a lively, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the meal.

Exceptional service from Hector stands out during lunch. The menu features ceviche and curry seabass, making it a solid choice for a business lunch or casual meal.

People are saying

"The authentic Peruvian food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"This Lunch Spot's ceviche was out of this world."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small dining space.

2

Parking is available at the Plaza parking structure nearby.

3

Expect small portion sizes, which may not be suitable for large appetites.

02
VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza image 1

Indoor dining features loud, lively energy, while seating near the bar or outside offers a calm, relaxed vibe with abundant natural light and wooden furniture. The space blends modern, stylish design with a laid-back atmosphere that suits casual socializing or elegant dining.

Food features fresh ingredients and comes out fast with friendly service. The dishes are consistently delicious in a sophisticated setting.

Lunch offers fast service and a great vibe. The Lychee lemonade stands out as a popular drink choice.

People are saying

"I thought the lemonade was pretty good."

"The food here is flavorful and cooked to perfection."

"You have to try the garlic noodles with prawns at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from 2-5 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant can get very busy, especially during dinner service.

03
Brazuca Café image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Brazilian flavors with live music and indoor and outdoor seating including heaters. Atmosphere feels like a cozy, modern Brazilian café with a spacious and inviting setup. Brazilian beers and refreshing cocktails complement the experience.

Savory dishes and authentic Brazilian cuisine stand out with delicious desserts complementing the menu. The food consistently tastes very good and reflects true Brazilian flavors.

Lunch offers a variety of dishes that grow more delicious with each course. The spot serves healthy meals that feel like home-cooked Brazilian food, making it a solid choice for a midday break.

People are saying

"The Brazilian food here is authentic and delicious."

"The food at this Cafe is amazing and perfectly seasoned."

"The food at this lunch spot is always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Visiting on weekends is recommended for Feijoada, a national specialty dish.

2

The café is self-serve, so customers get their own silverware and condiments.

3

Parking can be a hassle due to the location in a strip mall.

04
Knife Pleat image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Fine dining space blends elegant minimalism with an intimate atmosphere and surprisingly casual energy. Guests experience impeccable afternoon tea with tiered presentations and enjoy creative menus featuring standout dishes like American Wagyu steak and duck confit. Cocktails and wine pairings complement the refined yet approachable vibe.

Food here offers an exceptional fine dining experience with dishes that are consistently extraordinary from start to finish. Every course delivers amazing flavors that stand out clearly.

Lunch offers a multi-course meal with a variety of options. The 3 course lunch special on weekdays provides an authentic and delicious French experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The dinner spots here are a culinary journey with thoughtful, layered flavors."

"I had a delightful lunch; the food was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

2

Expect a 25% automatic gratuity added to your bill.

3

The afternoon tea costs $115 plus a 23% service charge.

05
Paradise Dynasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large space with modern Chinese decor and plenty of seating creates an elegant atmosphere. Background music plays, sometimes loud, contributing to a lively but occasionally noisy environment. The setting suits date nights and casual dining with a mix of Northern and Southern Chinese cuisine.

Food here stays consistently excellent and great across visits. The dishes deliver good flavors and reliable quality every time.

Variety on the menu and quality of each dish make it a solid choice for lunch or brunch. Great Happy Hour options suit late lunch or early dinner times.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top quality."

"The 8-color dumplings are juicy, flavorful, and fun to compare."

"The XLB here are redefined with bold twists like truffle and tom yum."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 pm with 40% off select items.

2

During happy hour, many dishes are 40% off with few menu restrictions.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid long wait times.

06
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style setup with handmade noodles visible in an open kitchen creates an authentic Japanese vibe. Seating is tight and crowded, making the space feel small and sometimes uncomfortable. Loud modern music contrasts with the otherwise cozy and lively atmosphere typical of a busy mall location.

Food features authentic Japanese style with consistent quality. Dishes like chicken katsu curry come out hot and flavorful every time.

People are saying

"The udon here is so good, perfectly chewy and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be great and fresh."

"I found the fresh noodles at this lunch spot to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hours are Monday to Thursday from 2 to 5 pm.

2

The restaurant is located on the lower level of a large shopping mall.

3

Seating can be limited during busy hours, so arrive early.

07
Quattro Caffé image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with an intimate atmosphere and a nice outdoor patio away from mall traffic. Live music often fills the space, creating a lively vibe with singing and dancing. The setting features tight table arrangements and decor that soothes after shopping.

Food features authentic ingredients imported from Italy and includes huge portions of pizza, pasta, and risotto. Dishes come out well prepared and tasty.

Great for a quick lunch stop while shopping with family. The warm and hospitable service adds to the enjoyable lunch experience.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has delicious Italian food, especially the pizza."

"I experienced authentic Italian food with ingredients imported directly from Italy."

"The food here is delicious and yummy."

Good to know

1

Quattro Caffé has live music every day after 5.00 pm.

2

There's a 3.5% surcharge for credit card payments.

3

The restaurant offers halal chicken and steak options.

08
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar (South Coast Plaza) image 1

Small noodle shop offers intimate, cozy atmosphere with warm lighting and visible kitchen action. Energy is lively but sometimes loud due to nearby busy spots. Known for shrimp broth-based ramen, it attracts those seeking flavorful, quick meals in a modern, casual setting.

Seafood dishes offer great flavors and texture. Staff provide genuine hospitality and accommodate allergies thoughtfully.

Quick lunches focus on Japanese noodles with options like braised scallion soy chicken dry noodle in a lunch special. Seating is small, so visiting outside peak hours helps avoid crowds.

People are saying

"The shrimp noodle soup has a really tasty, deep shrimp flavor."

"The shrimp here are succulent and tender, bursting with flavor."

"I found the food here to be very good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a 30% discount from Monday to Friday, 2:30 to 5 pm.

2

The restaurant automatically adds a 20% tip if no custom tip is selected.

3

Ordering is done via a QR code system, which is efficient but may require good internet.

09
Ramen Nagi image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines traditional and modern vibe with a fun, lively atmosphere. Seating includes long communal tables and a large outdoor patio, creating a somewhat cramped but energetic environment. Popular spot with customizable ramen options and a steady flow of diners.

Food arrives quickly and matches orders precisely. Dishes offer great portion size and flavorful taste in a clean dining environment.

People are saying

"The ramen here is delicious, especially the original."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"This lunch spot serves food within minutes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the restaurant is very popular and there may be a wait.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait during peak hours, especially around lunch.

3

There is plenty of free parking available near the restaurant.

10
Phởholic image 1
Restaurant

Small Vietnamese restaurant offers authentic pho with a modern, chic style and private Japanese-style booths for solo diners. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and introverted in secluded areas to lively and bustling near the front. Seating includes partitions and blinds that create privacy but can limit interaction.

Food features Vietnamese dishes with consistently good quality and a friendly atmosphere. The new food court location adds convenience without sacrificing taste.

Offers a quick and satisfying lunch experience with efficient service. Ideal for those needing a fast meal without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I found the pho delicious with a perfectly cooked broth."

"I thought the food here was delicious and great quality."

"This Lunch Spot's pho broth is rich, flavorful, and super fresh."

Good to know

1

Phởholic is located on the first floor of the Food Court in Bloomingdale’s.

2

Prices are a flat rate of $14.50 for any pho with thick or thin noodles.

3

Meatballs can be added for free to your pho order.

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South Coast Metro, Costa Mesa

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